Guiding a novice behind the wheel: Essential steps for effective driving instruction
In Victoria, becoming a competent driver involves more than just passing the driving test. For learner drivers, the journey to gaining a full driver's licence requires guidance, patience, and adherence to certain rules. Here are some key points to keep in mind.
Firstly, learner drivers must always have a supervising driver seated beside them while driving. This supervising driver must have a current, full (not probationary) driver licence that matches the vehicle being driven by the learner.
When starting out, it's advisable to conduct the first few driving sessions in an empty area. This allows the learner driver to practice essential skills such as accelerating, braking, steering, and parking without encountering dangerous hazards or getting in anyone's way.
To ensure a safe and productive learning environment, both your and your learner driver's phones should be turned on silent and put away out of sight during the entire drive. This helps minimise distractions and maintain focus on the road.
As you and your learner driver progress through the mandated hours, plan your drives to match their experience level. Start with simple routes and gradually introduce more complex ones as their confidence and skills grow.
Remember, learner drivers under 21 years old require 120 hours of supervised driving (including 20 hours of night driving) recorded in their logbook or myLearners app before they can take their driver test. It's crucial to use the official learner logbook issued by VicRoads or the myLearners app to keep track of supervised drives.
The myLearners app helps avoid logbook rejections due to damage, missing learner driver's details, illegible entries, or use of pencil or white-out. It's a handy tool for both learner drivers and supervisors.
For those seeking professional guidance, driving schools like the RACV Drive School offer a six-stage learning program that focuses on developing drivers to stay safe beyond test routes. Their cars are new, five-star ANCAP-rated vehicles full of the latest tech and safety features.
It can be helpful for supervisors to book a professional driving lesson for their learner. This not only benefits the learner driver but also helps the supervising driver refresh their own safe driving habits and supervising skills.
Lastly, it's essential to remember that learner drivers may be automatically covered under the supervising driver's insurance policy, but it's crucial to check the insurance policy terms and conditions.
As a responsible supervisor, it's also recommended to evaluate your own driving habits before supervising a learner driver. This ensures that you set a good example and help your learner driver develop safe driving habits from the start.
By following these tips, you can help make the learning-to-drive experience a safer and more enjoyable one for both you and your learner driver.
